MIAMI -- He was inspired by the "organic architecture" of Frank Lloyd Wright and used Mother Nature to make his own imprint on Miami architecture.

Alfred Browning Parker is credited in the South Florida design world as being one of the first innovative designers and builders to integrate Miami's climate and natural elements in the design of the home.

Parker's blending of concrete and environmental elements sparked a new kind of Miami home, known as "modern tropical."

"Alfred Browning Parker worked to create a partnership between climate and landscape to create buildings that sit simply and comfortably on the land and project timeless beauty," said Colleen Ahern-Hettich, director of the Earth Ethics Institute.

Parker's use the natural surrounding in his projects, were not only free but also created a cool climate in his homes before the widespread use of central air conditioning.

It is his innovative "green" thinking that prompted the Miami Dade College School of Architecture and the Earth Ethics Institute to sponsor a free design discussion at 7 p.m. Thursday at the North Campus Lehman Theater.

Parker will discuss timeless "green" ideas that home owners, builders and architects can incorporate in their own homes and businesses.

Parker's homes have been featured in many national architectural journals and design publications, and he is a three-time winner of the "House Beautiful" Pace Setter award.

One of Parker's first homes, built in the late 1940s in Coconut Grove, is owned by the president of Miami Dade College North Campus, Jose Vicente.

Click on the video link above to have Parker give you a personal virtual tour of one of his first "green" homes.